Aandeelhoudersovereenkomst

A shareholders’ agreement is a private-law contract concluded between the shareholders of a company. It sets forth arrangements on matters such as voting rights, dividend policy, the transfer of shares and dispute resolution.

This agreement is relevant because it regulates the relationships among shareholders in a manner more flexible than the articles of association. For instance, the parties may include drag-along or tag-along provisions to facilitate a sale of the company.

In practice, a shareholders’ agreement is frequently concluded upon the incorporation of a company or upon the admission of new shareholders, in order to safeguard the interests of all parties and to prevent disputes.